A “breast cancer awareness” charity event hosted by international fashion magazine W Korea has come under fire after netizens criticized the event’s party-like activities, which they felt strayed from the campaign’s purpose.
The annual event, titled “Love Your W 2025,” was held on Wednesday, Oct. 15, marking the 20th anniversary of the campaign, which aims to raise awareness of breast cancer.
Over the past two decades, the charity has reportedly raised approximately one billion Korean won (roughly P40 million).
The star-studded guest list featured some of the biggest names in K-pop and K-drama. Among those in attendance were K-pop stars BTS members RM, J-Hope, and V, Stray Kids’ Bang Chan and Seungmin, ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon, Jake, and Jungwon, TXT’s Soobin, aespa, IVE’s Yujin, Wonyoung and Rei, aespa, (G)I-DLE, Taeyang, Somi, Hwasa, and Jay Park among others.
Reports also mentioned appearances by actors and actresses Lee Min-ho, Park Seo Joon, Byeon Woo Seok, Ha Jung-woo, Lee Dong-hwi, Lee Soo-hyuk, Lee Young-ae, Moon So-ri, and Ko Hyun-jung.
However, public criticism erupted after W Korea posted clips of the event on social media showing alcohol consumption, dancing and a nightclub-like atmosphere, which many felt were inappropriate activities for a cancer awareness campaign.
Additionally, W Korea was criticized for celebrity interviews that focused on personal and fashion-related topics instead of breast cancer, health advocacy or fundraising. Some netizens noted that not a single attendee wore a pink ribbon, the globally recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness.
They also criticized Jay Park’s performance of “MOMMAE,” a sexually suggestive song that objectifies the female body.
Following the backlash, Jay Park issued a public apology on Instagram.
“After the formal breast cancer campaign event, I performed during the after-party for those who gathered with good intentions despite their busy schedules,” he explained, as translated by Korea JoongAng Daily. “I understood the performance as something for those present and performed as I normally do.”
“To anyone undergoing cancer treatment who felt uncomfortable or offended by my performance, I sincerely apologize. I wish you good health,” he continued. “Though I was injured, I performed with a good heart, without payment. Please don’t twist that good intention.”
As of writing, W Korea has not released an official statement addressing the controversy.
